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Rail Escape

Scenic Switzerland: Bernina Express

Nine-day Swiss Alpine rail loop from Zurich on Glacier and Bernina Express trains

Illustration of Scenic Switzerland: Bernina Express

Rail Escape operates this nine-day Swiss Alpine tour, departing from and returning to Zurich. The journey circles the heart of the Swiss Alps with overnight stays in Chur and St. Moritz. Guests travel on two celebrated panoramic trains: the Glacier Express from Chur to St. Moritz, and the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, as a full-day excursion. Days in Zurich offer lakefront walks, museum visits, and Old Town exploration. St. Moritz provides mountain scenery, a spa, and views of the Engadin Valley. The pace is relaxed with multiple nights in each location, allowing time to settle in and explore. First-class rail, four-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast, and airport transfers are included; meals beyond breakfast and activities are separate. This suits first-time rail travellers seeking famous Alpine trains, repeat enthusiasts pursuing UNESCO heritage routes, couples seeking mountain romance, and photographers drawn to panoramic vistas.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel accommodation options are listed as upgrades (Popular and Luxe alternatives); your final hotel depends on which tier you select.
  • Meals beyond breakfast, entrance fees to museums and attractions, and local activities are not included and are booked separately.
  • Some regional train segments operate in second class only, despite the tour being marketed as first-class rail travel throughout.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! After checking into your hotel for a two-night stay, take a stroll along Lake Zurich's promenade. Visit the Fraumünster Church to admire its famous Chagall windows. In the evening, explore the lively Niederdorf district in the Old Town, enjoying dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Explore Zurich

    Start your day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum. Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich for scenic views. In the afternoon, explore the trendy Zürich-West district, known for its innovative architecture and vibrant art scene. End your day with some shopping along the famous Bahnhofstrasse.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    Zurich to Chur

    After breakfast, take a train to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the car-free Old Town. Visit the Chur Cathedral and the Rätisches Museum to learn about the region's history. Enjoy dinner at a local Graubünden restaurant.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    Chur to St. Moritz

    Board the Glacier Express (panoramic train) for a scenic journey to St. Moritz. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon strolling around Lake St. Moritz and visiting the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the Alpine painter Giovanni Segantini.

  5. Day 5overnight: St. Moritz

    Discover St. Moritz

    Take the funicular to Muottas Muragl for panoramic views of the Engadin Valley. Spend the day hiking or simply enjoying the mountain scenery. In the afternoon, relax at the Mineralbad & Spa or try your hand at windsurfing on Lake Silvaplana.

  6. Day 6railovernight: St. Moritz

    Day Trip to Tirano

    Embark on a day trip to Tirano, Italy, via the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express. Enjoy breathtaking views as you cross the Alps. In Tirano, explore the old town, visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano, and savor Italian cuisine for lunch before returning to St. Moritz.

  7. Day 7overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz Activities

    Start your day with a visit to the Diavolezza for more Alpine views. In the afternoon, explore the nearby villages of Sils Maria or Pontresina, known for their picturesque settings and hiking trails. End your day with a gourmet dinner at one of St. Moritz's renowned restaurants.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Zurich

    St. Moritz to Zurich

    After breakfast, take the train back to Zurich. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend your afternoon visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum or taking a food tour to sample local specialties. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

  9. Day 9

    Depart Zurich

    On your final morning, take a last stroll through Zurich's Old Town or do some last-minute shopping. Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure. Auf Wiedersehen!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Stroll the Zurich lakefront promenade and view the Chagall windows at Fraumünster Church.
  • Day 4Board the Glacier Express, a panoramic train, for a scenic journey through the Alps to St. Moritz.
  • Day 6Travel on the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, crossing the Alps and exploring the old town and Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano before returning.
  • Day 5Take the funicular to Muottas Muragl for panoramic views of the Engadin Valley.

Included

  • Welcome Package with travel essentials and detailed itinerary information
  • First-Class Rail Travel throughout (some regional trains second-class only)
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation in all cities, near train stations
  • Daily Breakfast at all hotel accommodations
  • Airport Transfers on arrival and departure

Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Excursions, Activities and Entrance Fees
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast
  • Local taxes or fees (e.g. hotel tourism taxes)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Local Transportation

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel throughout the tour, though some regional train segments operate in second class only. This covers your trains from Zurich to Chur, the Glacier Express to St. Moritz, the Bernina Express day trip to Tirano, and the return journey to Zurich.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
The evidence does not specify whether a guide accompanies the group or if you travel independently. Contact Rail Escape directly to confirm.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes first-class rail travel, four-star hotel accommodation for eight nights with daily breakfast, airport transfers on arrival and departure, and a welcome package. Meals beyond breakfast, activities, entrance fees, and local transportation are not included.
When does this tour depart?
The evidence does not list specific departure dates. Contact Rail Escape to confirm available dates.
How much walking is involved each day?
Most days involve city walking in Zurich, Chur, and St. Moritz to explore the Old Towns, museums, and lakefront areas. Day 5 offers optional hiking and a funicular ride to mountain viewpoints. Day 7 includes nearby villages with hiking trails.
What is not included?
International airfare, entrance fees and activities, meals beyond breakfast, local hotel taxes, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, and local transportation are not included.

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